Screen Australia commits $2m in production funds for 13 new documentaries

Aussie band Mental as Anything

Screen Australia has committed to supporting 11 new documentaries through its Producer Programme and a further two via its Commissioned Programme, which will all share in a production funding pool of A$3m (US$2m).

The selected projects include a pair of commissions for pubcaster SBS: docuseries The Secret DNA of Us, from executive producers Josie Mason Campbell (This is Going to be Big) and Sophie Meyrick; and We Are Jeni, documenting Jeni Hayes and her network of 2,500 alternative personalities, produced by Simon Nasht and Sara Kozac.

Seven Network has also received funding for its music doc Mental as Anything, produced by Beyond about the rise of the eponymous band.

Meanwhile, ABC’s Headliners, an original series from Banijay-owned Endemol Shine Australia, explores issues for musicians living with a disability.

Screen Australia head of documentary Richard Huddleston said: “The mix of genres, the subjects they explore as well as the creative approaches are equally rich and will appeal to a diverse range of Australian and international audiences.”